05/12/2009

3rd Test, 4th Day Impressions, India vs. Sri Lanka, 2009

Harbhajan got rid of Dilshan early. That quieted my fears on Dilshan imposing himself on the game.

However, as I feared Indian’s could not make headway. Bhajji bowled an amazing couple of over’s, Sreesanth and Zaheer were on the spot, but unthreatening.

Ojha appears to have lost his mojo. The Indian bowling appears flat and low on both inspiration and enthusiasm.

It is hard work from now on.

Update 7.00 P.M.

India made steady gains but not at the speed one desired.

If you look at the day dispassionately, it was a good day’s cricket. There was good thrust and play that made the game a Test match.

However, as a passionate Indian fan, the day was a let down. The Indian bowlers wormed their way through the Sri Lankan’s to leave them tottering at 274 for 6. Nevertheless, where they failed in was in their inability to land the killer punch.

Now with the lead reduced to less than 50 runs, it appears India will have to bat again.

If Sri Lanka manages to hang on and leave India with 150 for a win, there is no telling how the batsmen will fare against Murali on a 5 th day pitch.